Category: News

Water is arguably the most important commodity on earth. As important as crops, metals and energy are to the planet, none of them matter without water. Every agricultural crop that feeds the planet needs it to grow. Farmers couldn’t raise chickens, cows, pigs, or any livestock without massive quantities of it. 

Water is scarce in the Middle East and some sixty percent of Israel is arid. With climate change and a rapidly growing population, Israel should have faced a major water shortage. However, thanks to Israel’s entrepreneurial spirit and holistic approach, the country has a water surplus and is a global leader in water technology and management. 

Water tech in Israel is a field of innovation that aims to manage, treat, and supply water in an arid country. Some of the technologies include digital solutions for monitoring water flow and detecting leaks, plastic trays for collecting dew, drip irrigation for efficient and precise agriculture, and natural biological filtration and ultraviolet treatment for reusing wastewater. Israel’s water technology saves the economy millions of dollars (shekels) each year and helps turn desert into productive land.

By implementing massive water recycling and saltwater desalination programs using Israeli-invented drip irrigation technology in agriculture and water management technologies, Israel was able to save water and also increase its water supply to meet its high water demand.

Israel also exports its water technology and know-how to other countries facing water scarcity or quality issues. Find below some watertech areas where Israeli firms are making strong inroads;

Water Metering Systems

• Arad Group – Arad Group is a world leader in the field of water measurement solutions and services, the Arad Group specializes in designing, developing, and manufacturing high-quality meters, automatic meter reading (AMR), and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) systems, and advanced MDM systems and technologies.
• Drizzle X – Drizzle X technology answers a longstanding need for real-time, accurate data about water usage in properties that lack individual water meters, at an attractive price point. They use data to provide an actual-usage-based billing service for properties.

Water Flow Tech – Water Flow-Tech is an Israeli technology company that develops worldwide-patented innovative controllers, which revolutionize flow-metering functionality at low water flows, detect low flow leaks and alerts in real-time, and solve Non-Revenue Water problems, save water Loss and energy. 

Filtration Systems

• Filtersafe – Filtersafe filters are equipped not only with the technology but also the know-how to integrate successfully into water industrial applications. Filtersafe’s filters’ tailored designs and simple modularity enable us to supply from 10 microns upwards, with flow rates from 50-5000m³/hr in a single unit and limitless capacity in modular configurations. Filtersafe brings unrivaled value, effectiveness, and durability to even the most demanding filtration solutions. 

• Rain-Tal Ltd – Rain-Tal filters are made with patented unique plastic “Super Disks” and are sold under the trade name “Super Disk Filter”, the trademark SDF™. Each disk is formed with a continuous raised sinuous rib extending radially on one side and annular ribs extending circularly on the other side. When the disks are stacked together small filtering passageways are formed in-between.
• En Gibton – En Gibton develops, produces, and markets superior water purification materials based on its proprietary micelle-clay complex technology. Extensive laboratory tests and a pilot plant have proven the superior efficacy of the company’s products and they are approved for use by the Israeli Ministry of Health.

Leak Detection and Monitoring Solutions

• Aquarius Spectrum – At Aquarius Spectrum, they’re transforming the way water utilities boost the resilience of their water networks by harnessing AI, big water data, and advanced acoustic sensors. Our mission is clear: to conserve the world’s most precious resource.

Asterra – Asterra solutions can deliver wide-area data and visualizations that let you see and assess underground conditions across entire potable or wastewater systems or the most expansive worksites. With ASTERRA, one can monitor every problem at once, evaluate its severity, and set priorities using complete and solid infrastructure intelligence.

One small step for technology, one giant leap for Israel… to paraphrase a certain famous quote from way back when! 

In a year when we’ve seen SpaceX’s trial flight, its illustrious Starship rocket, and with the European Space Agency (ESA) sending a spacecraft to explore Jupiter’s moons, it seems hard to think that more is to come. However, this isn’t the case of course, as we are likely to see the brainchild of Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin come to life with New Glenn’s maiden launch later in the year along with the first-ever commercial spacewalk to be conducted by SpaceX in July. To call it a busy year would be an astronomical understatement (apologies as this will not be the last pun of the post)…

Yet, where does Israel fit into all of this? Ever since the unfortunate events of April 2019, when the country’s Beresheet lunar rocket crashed on the Moon, Israel has stepped up its impetus to right the wrongs of the mission and have already planned a Beresheet 2.0 for 2024. Since the unfortunate landing of Earth’s nearest neighbour, the government has pledged to invest just over $180 million in the country’s space industry. Aiming to quadruple sector employment, increase academic research from both a high level and more grassroots and encourage private sector spending to well over $1 billion. It is not just the moon which is Israel is concerned with but also beyond the stars, as it was announced in February this year that NASA and the Israel Space Agency (ISA) will collaborate to launch ULTRASAT, the first Israeli space telescope, in order to detect cosmic events in the deep corners of the universe. The star of the show (another one there I’m sorry) is going to be the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot who will be helping to build the satellite in parallel with the ISA. The telescope is looking to take orbit in 2026 and will propel (…) Israel’s space industry into a galaxy far far away.

Space technology plays a key role in the fight against the global climate crisis, it provides us with opportunities to improve the observation of changes such as in temperatures, heat islands, sea levels, fires, floods, etc. Thus, the collaboration between the Israel Space Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with allow groundbreaking progress to build regional climate resilience. For example, national risk maps would enable us to collect information in all tiers from space, the air, water, and land, towards creating sensitive maps that will allow us to understand where it is essential to act with the greatest urgency.

But, space is not just the distant black holes and large-scale sonic events outside of our galaxy, it is also much closer to home than we think in the form of the low/mid-Earth orbits that are congested with thousands of satellites. It is within this satellite network that Israel has a major presence and some fantastic technology that affects everyday life on Earth.

Below are some of the solutions and systems that are part of this ecosystem and are slowly growing into major players in the global space industry:

SpacePharma is focused on using microgravity, or virtual weightlessness, for research and development. The company has developed end-to-end miniaturized lab systems, equipped with sensors and readers, capable of working on different microgravity platforms. The company has introduced mGnify, a miniaturized end-to-end lab that can be remotely controlled from anywhere and used with different microgravity platforms, including SpacePharma’s nanosatellites. 

Hisky provides a satellite communication network system that enables the provision of robust, low-cost satellite services to large numbers of users, all over the globe. Operating on GEO and LEO satellites, the company’s network comprises satellite terminals and hub base stations, a mobile application, an IoT/M2M interface, and application servers.

Satixfy is a leading provider of satellite and quasi-satellite communication technology designed to radically reduce the cost, size, weight, and power of user terminals, payloads, and gateway equipment while increasing performance. The company targets very large markets, including communities unconnected to the internet, IoT devices for private networks and rural areas, and drone communications.

Planet Watchers is a SaaS solution designed to help enterprises, governments, and NGOs monitor their natural assets across multiple sectors. The company’s geospatial technology combines machine learning algorithms, elastic cloud infrastructure, and multi-source satellite sensors to deliver a robust monitoring and alert system that provides critical information for the management of large-scale assets at a regional and global scale. The system provides information such as growth anomaly identification, crop-yield predictions, and risk calculations associated with various aspects of natural resources.

Israeli entrepreneurs have consistently demonstrated their prowess in developing cutting-edge assistive technologies for individuals living with disabilities. With over 100 companies in this sector, Israel has emerged as a global leader in creating innovative solutions that improve the lives of countless people around the world. 

The remarkable success of Israeli entrepreneurs in this field can be largely attributed to the strong support they receive from various sources, including public funding, higher education institutions, and specialized startup accelerators. These accelerators are often run by individuals with disabilities themselves, ensuring that the solutions developed are tailored to the unique needs of the end-users.

One notable accelerator in this space is A3i, which has forged strategic partnerships with several Israeli and American non-profit and philanthropic organizations. These include PresenTense, Beit Issie Shapiro, The Ruderman Family Foundation, and The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. By working together, these organizations provide invaluable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to startups in the assistive technology sector.

Here are some outstanding Israeli assistive technological innovations that have made a significant impact on the lives of people with disabilities:

1.     EYEMUSIC

Amir Amedi, a neuroscientist at The Hebrew University Of Jerusalem, created an app that converts common things into simple sounds and pitches, allowing blind or visually impaired people to “see” through listening to music.

A Times of Israel reporter was informed by Dr. Amedi that “the human brain is more flexible than we thought.” These findings… indicate that, for blind people, certain brain regions may be ‘awakened’ to processing visual features and tasks, despite years or possibly even a lifetime of blindness, if the right technologies and training methods are applied.

2.     EYECONTROL

This eye-tracking communication device empowers people with ALS, locked-in syndrome, and other conditions that limit their ability to speak or move. The EyeControl system allows users to communicate using only their eye movements, providing a vital lifeline to the outside world.

3.     ORCAM MYEYE

This advanced wearable device uses artificial intelligence to assist people with visual impairments. The device can read text, recognize faces, and identify objects, providing users with real-time audio feedback to help them navigate their surroundings.

4.     PROJECT RAY SMARTPHONE

This smartphone allows blind or visually impaired users to make phone calls, access apps, read and send text messages and emails, create calendar reminders, and use GPS navigation. It is controlled by speech and touch.

A group of influential people in the telecom industry, led by CEO Boaz Zilberman of the Migdal Or Blind Rehabilitation Facility in Kiryat Haim, close to Haifa, came up with the idea for Project RAY a few years ago. Zilberman told a reporter for ‘No Camels: Israeli Tech and Innovation News’ that one of the reasons his company created Project RAY was to integrate blind and visually impaired individuals into a culture that depends on cell phones.

5.     REWALK

Amit Goffer, an engineer, created a wearable robotic exoskeleton after getting into a terrible accident and having to use a wheelchair. This device allows people with spinal cord injuries to stand up, walk, turn, and ascend and descend stairs.

Goffer also invented UPnRIDE, a robotic wheeled system that allows wheelchair users to move both upright and sitting.

6.     SESAME PHONE

With the help of speech and head movements, this is the first fully touch-free smartphone that enables users with limited or no use of their hands to place calls, send emails, and interact on social media.

Giora Livne, a former IDF soldier who is paralyzed from the neck down, collaborated on its creation alongside game designer Oded Ben Dov. Livne had the thought after watching Oded use gesture technology in a game he had created.

7.     TALKITT & VOICEITT

This voice recognition program, which can be used on any mobile or wearable device, enables people with speech or language difficulties to communicate in their own voices by transforming difficult pronunciations – in any language! – into more understandable speech.

After his adored grandmother suffered a stroke that damaged her speech, Danny Weissberg co-founded VoiceITT, the company that produces the TalkITT. 

8.     UPnRIDE Robotics

This is a wheeled robotic device, provides upright and seated mobility both for wheelchair users, and for anyone who is unable to, or has difficulty standing or walking.

UPnRIDE offers numerous medical, psychological, and economic benefits, ensuring safety while standing, sitting, and shifting between positions, in practically any urban environment.

9.     UPSEE

With the help of an adult, this mobility aid helps kids with neuromuscular problems to stand and walk. Israeli musician Debby Elnatan, whose son Rotem has cerebral palsy, came up with the invention. In order to strengthen and improve Rotem’s awareness of his limbs, physiotherapists encouraged Elnatan to take her son on regular walks when he was 2 years old.

Elnatan developed a harness system with specially designed sandals that enable the adult and child to step in unison with the assistance of product engineers from Leckey, a business that specializes in the production of items for children and adults with disabilities.

These six Israeli innovations are just a few examples of the incredible advancements being made in the field of assistive technology. By continuing to invest in research, development, and collaboration, Israeli entrepreneurs are poised to make an even greater impact on the lives of people with disabilities worldwide.

Israel is a global center for Cybersecurity. Israel is also home to over 400 R&D centers (focused on cyber security) of prominent international companies. Annual exports of $3.5 billion, 5% of the global market share (2nd only to the U.S.).300+ Israeli Cyber Security companies. The diverse mix of sectors in Israel offers solutions for every area of cyber. Over 300 active cyber-security companies, over 150 founded since 2012. Israel is uniquely geared toward cyber security innovation a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.  

The Israeli companies offer a range of cybersecurity solutions for all sectors. 

In the first six months of 2021, Israeli cybersecurity companies raised upwards of $2.9 billion. To put this number into a more impactful context, $2.9 billion represents 41% of total cybersecurity investment worldwide in that period. While other economic sectors have floundered, Israel’s cybersecurity industry has continued to skyrocket, with one record-breaking period chasing the other. The unique cyber ecosystem is made up of big cyber companies, global multinational firms with Israeli research-and-development arms, new startups, army training, and government support for both private and public endeavors. Together, these components have created an effective community that is bringing cybersecurity solutions needed to the market. The world has realized that in Israel there is a lot of cybersecurity potential and that is why companies are investing in cybersecurity solutions.

In this blog post, we are delighted to share some of Israel’s, most innovative Cyber companies: 

Silverfort: Silverfort provides a unified identity protection platform that consolidates security controls across corporate networks and cloud environments to block identity-based attacks.

Dig Security: Dig Security is the developer of a security threat solution that includes data detection and response, providing real-time visibility, control, and protection of data assets across any cloud.

Seemplicity: Seemplicity is working to revolutionize the way security teams drive and scale risk-reduction efforts across organizations by orchestrating, automating, and consolidating all remediation activities into one workspace.

Talon Cyber Security: Talon Cyber Security provides cybersecurity solutions for distributed workforces. Providing technology designed to protect against threats posed by distributed work and accelerated cloud usage, Talon enables workforce productivity and flexibility alongside holistic visibility and cybersecurity.

Cider Security: Cider Security has developed a platform that provides a unified view of the entire engineering ecosystem, offering security teams an in-depth understanding and comprehensive view of the technologies, systems, and processes unique to every engineering environment. Security teams are provided a highly tailored set of controls and solutions to optimize security and achieve full resilience across the entire CI/CD pipeline from code to deployment.

BOSTON, MA – May 16, 2023 – The Tomorrow Companies Inc., the world’s leading weather intelligence platform, today announced successful on-orbit operation of its first satellite, Tomorrow-R1. Launched at 11:48 pm PDT on April 14, Tomorrow-R1 is the world’s first commercially built weather-radar satellite. It is orbiting at 500 km above Earth in a polar orbit, and carrying a Ka-band radar ideally suited for detecting precipitation and critical ocean parameters. Tomorrow-R1 marks the first step in deploying the Tomorrow.io constellation of active and passive sensors, which will achieve breakthroughs in global weather forecasting and climate observation – near real-time scans of precipitation and atmospheric profiles for any point on Earth.

“Until today, only a handful of atmospheric radars have been launched to space, all built by government agencies with hefty budgets and long development times. Tomorrow.io is offering a step change in price-to-performance ratio, enabled by private innovation,” said Shimon Elkabetz, CEO and co-founder of Tomorrow.io. “Given their lofty costs, governmental missions have been limited to single satellites with revisit rates on the order of days-to-weeks. With every subsequent launch, Tomorrow.io will get closer to an era of truly proliferated weather sensing from space, closing this decades-old gap. We’re building the de facto GPS network for weather.”

At 11:48 pm PDT on April 14, Tomorrow.io’s satellite lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on a SpaceX Falcon 9, successfully separating from the rocket and transmitting initial telemetry data shortly thereafter. After a successful commissioning process, the radar payload is now operational and providing high-fidelity global precipitation measurements, which are being ingested into Tomorrow.io’s weather intelligence platform.

“About five billion people live outside of reliable weather radar coverage today, leading to a huge gap in the quality and availability of life-saving weather information,” said Rei Goffer, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder of Tomorrow.io. “Those most impacted by climate change are the least equipped to deal with it today, and we are taking a major step to fix this. As the planet moves into an era of climate-induced weather catastrophes, food insecurity, and new levels of volatility and risk, Tomorrow.io’s constellation will power climate adaptation for generations to come.”

Tomorrow.io initially announced its space plans in February 2021. Within only two years, the team advanced from preliminary concept to a fully functional platform that marks the beginning of a new era in weather forecasting. “Our team worked tirelessly to get to this historic moment, and it’s only just the beginning,” said John Springmann, VP of Space & Sensors at Tomorrow.io. “With the initial satellite data collections complete and our integration into the Tomorrow.io platform, we are confidently moving to the next phase of operationalizing our full-scale constellation.”

Tomorrow.io has demonstrated robust demand for the future capabilities of its constellation. The company has already been awarded more than $20M in contracts from the DOD and is executing a Collaborative R&D Agreement with NOAA. “The prospects of a commercial follow-on mission to the NASA Global Precipitation Measurement Mission (GPM), but with 10 times the revisit rate, presents an incredibly exciting future to the global weather community” said Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Georgia.

https://www.tomorrow.io/blog/tomorrow-ios-historic-satellite-launch-paves-way-for-groundbreaking-advancement-in-global-weather-forecasting/?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=258528273&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8YbAo_lrH71IKEyBvQR_NCSrB5Bdx3E6MdeTv19EZuWBibmbM2TzRl6pCsymkp-CmQVUlrTFcKKSlKNHxT-vchIMBexT2fO5QZ8dcVgzK8wqoRips&utm_content=258528273&utm_source=hs_email

Logistics plays an important role in the supply chain management of goods across industry sectors. For any business, their clients always demand fast and flawless service. Efficient Logistics management plays a key role in the success of any business as it directly affects its customer relations. According to Allied Market Research, in 2017, the global logistics market was valued at $7,641.20 billion and is projected to reach $12,975.64 billion by 2027. 

Startup Nation Central’s report on this industry sector mentions Israel has more than 150 startups that are involved in various aspects of the industry, employing cutting-edge technology to help ensure that goods are delivered swiftly and efficiently. In collaboration with DSV – Global Transport and Logistics, they have created an interactive landscape detailing some of the top up-and-coming innovative companies in the field. 

Here are the profiles of some innovative Israeli companies catering to this sector:

Caja Robotics – Caja Robotics uses sophisticated software and robots to quickly implement automation technology in standard warehouses. The system is designed to improve the efficiency of eCommerce retailers who require rapid delivery.

 Caja’s solution does not require any preliminary infrastructure. The solution is based on patented bins, which enable a dynamic warehouse structure, and specialized robots.

infiniDome – infiniDome provides front-end cyber solutions that protect wireless communications from jamming attacks. The company’s GPS protection solutions are designed to defend the GPS systems at the heart of drones and other unmanned systems, vehicle fleets, critical networks, and defense applications.

 infiniDomes patented anti-jamming technology is deployed through the company’s worldwide network of partners and distributors.

Loginno – Loginno partners with shipping companies to convert container fleets into IoT-enabled fleets that mine cargo and voyage data using a patented low-cost device. Information access is granted through a cloud-based service to carriers, cargo owners, freight forwarders, insurers, customs, and other interested parties.

 In 2019, Loginno selected Log-In Logistica Intermodal as a shipping company partner to convert its entire container fleet to smart containers using Loginno’s technology.

Bringg – Bringg is a delivery logistics solution that enables enterprises to efficiently manage their complex delivery operations. Bringg offers real-time logistics capabilities for the delivery ecosystem.

 Companies from the retail, grocery, restaurant, consumer goods, logistics, healthcare, and service industries use Bringg’s technology to help streamline their logistical operations for peak efficiency and to create optimal delivery experiences for their customers.

 With Bringg, companies can establish successful, cost-effective operations that balance the needs of all of the participants in their delivery ecosystem.

 Bringg was named one of the “Cool Vendors in Food Retail: Catering to New Customer Lifestyles, 2020” by the Gartner Research Group.

Highcon Systems – Highcon Systems develops and sells digital cutting and creasing machines for the folding carton industry. Their machines are based on a proprietary technology called Digital Adhesive Rule Technology (DART), which allows for the production of high-quality, complex packaging without the need for traditional dies. This makes it possible for customers to quickly and easily produce new designs, as well as to make changes to existing designs without having to incur the high costs associated with traditional die production.

 Their machines are used by some of the world’s leading brands, including Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Procter & Gamble.

AutoFleet – AutoFleet enables fleet managers to become vehicle-as-a-service providers. Using the AutoFleet platform, fleet managers can maximize revenues and margins and increase fleet utilization by aggregating demand, controlling supply, and optimizing rides.

 AutoFleet’s platform leverages advanced machine-learning models for real-time demand prediction, automated generation and management of maintenance/servicing tasks, optimized dispatching and routing, and dynamic pricing to help existing fleets become more efficient. The robust and automated routing and dispatch engine allows immediate optimization of delivery/logistics services, passenger trips, and field service operations, all from a single platform.

Freightos – Freightos is a technology company that offers a digital marketplace for international freight shipping. They provide businesses with a platform to compare prices, transit times, and shipping options from multiple freight forwarders, and book and track shipments online. They also offer a suite of tools and services to help businesses manage their freight operations, such as automated shipping rate management, real-time tracking and analytics, and document management.

 The company aims to make global trade simpler, more transparent, and more efficient for businesses of all sizes.

The above list of companies provides only a glimpse of the various technologies offered by Israeli companies in the Logistics sector. There are many more companies in Israel in this sector.

To know more please contact your local Israeli Economic and Commercial team.

References:

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/logistics-market

Israeli Smart Logistics Innovation Companies Add Precious Links to the Global Supply Chain

The fintech industry is constantly evolving and improving, and 2023 is no exception. It is predicted that the fintech space will multiply and reach US $174 billion in 2023 and the key trends driving this growth will be AI & Machine Learning; Embedded finance; SaaS; Open Banking; IoT; and Blockchain. As of 2022, approx. 550 fintech startups are operating in Israel which by global standards is an extremely large number of firms given the size of Israel’s population. There are currently 20 fintech companies incorporated in Israel that are valued at over US $ 1 billion. 

These fintech companies in Israel are operating in various specialized fields like payments and settlement, in which (17%) of the companies are concentrated. Additional specialized fields include risk management (14%), data analysis (14%), insurance-related operations (12%), commerce (11%), and investments (10%). 

Let’s take a brief look at Israel’s contribution to these key global trends driving the Fintech Ecosystem.

1. AI & Machine Learning: Israeli startups develop and apply AI technology for a range of purposes, such as business analysis, applications, cybersecurity, and healthcare. More than 40% of Israeli AI companies are involved in data technology and enterprise software. The startup nation ecosystem has embraced the generative AI technology very well with startups like Astria– Ai image generator, GenieLabs-Personalized 3d content, Codium– AI-powered Interactive Code Integrity Tool; BookWrox– Transforming Books into Binge-worthy TV Shows.

• Embedded Finance: Embedded Finance industry in Israel is expected to grow by 53.4% on an annual basis to reach US$605.2 million in 2023, providing the infrastructure for companies to build, launch and scale credit products, helping companies assess the creditworthiness of their customers for use-cases including credit cards, credit line assignments and buy now, pay later (BNPL) offerings. Some notable startups in this sector are PayZen, Lama AI, and Noble.

• SaaS: SaaS sector is advancing in the right direction and will hit the $623 billion milestone in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate of 18%, using SaaS provides access to powerful tools with enhanced security protocols for data storage and management that would be difficult or expensive for individual firms to implement themselves. Some notable fintech Saas startups from Israel are Guma – Expense Management SaaS for Banks’ Corporate Clients; Firmbase– Financial Planning and Analysis Platform; Adaptive Shild– SaaS Security Posture Management Platform 

• Open Banking: Open banking is a financial technology that allows customers to securely share their financial information with third parties, offering them more control and flexibility over their finances. Some of the notable Israeli startups operating in the open banking field are ezbob – the company offers end-to-end and modular lending solutions and guides banks and financial institutions through complex digital transformation. Feezback Technologies – develops solutions for open banking, serving large financial enterprises and fintechs alike.

• Internet of Things (IoT): The implications for fintech are vast as IoT has made banking more secure, efficient, and convenient. Banks are using sensors embedded into their products to monitor customer activities and automate responses. Dynamic Yield’s AI-powered Personalization Anywhere platform delivers individualized experiences at every customer touchpoint: web, apps, email, kiosks, Internet of Things, and call centers. Nation-E develops cyber protection technology for critical infrastructure and the Industrial Internet of Things.

• Blockchain: Blockchain is one of the most exciting trends in fintech. Blockchain is a digital ledger that records and verifies different types of transactions. In addition to its security benefits, blockchain has potential implications for cost savings due to its distributed nature. dWallet Labs is a cybersecurity company specializing in blockchain technology. Fuse Labs is a people-centric open-source platform that connects everyday payments to the blockchain without compromising the user experience. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that an Israeli food tech startup was about to receive the green light to produce animal-free milk proteins, reports The Times of Israel.

The PM did not name which food tech company would receive Israel’s first market approval for a cellular agriculture protein in the coming days. However, Tech12 reported Remilk as the permit receiver.

Founded in 2019, Remilk has raised over $120 million since its establishment. The company leverages precision fermentation and microbes to produce milk proteins, claiming they are chemically identical to those found in cow’s milk. These microbial proteins can make animal-free dairy without lactose, cholesterol, growth hormones, and antibiotics. They will appeal to vegans, flexitarians, and climate consumers. 

Working with regulators

Last year, Remilk achieved several milestones, with regulatory approvals from Singapore and the US Food and Drug Administration regarding the safety of its animal-free whey. Remilk’s protein launched with General Mill’s bran Bold Cultr introducing a line of cream cheese in Minnesota, USA, last year (General Mills shut down Bold Cultr this February).

Remilk, as a supplier of raw materials, contracts with major food companies worldwide for production and distribution purposes. It has recently made a partnership with Terra in Israel, reports Tech12.

Aviv Wolff, CEO and co-founder of Remilk, commented after obtaining self-affirmed GRAS  in the US: “We are working diligently with regulators around the globe to be able to offer Remilk-made products to consumers in other countries.”

Leading food tech innovation

The announcement took place on Wednesday evening when the PM visited Steakholder Foods, a Rehovot-based cultivated meat company. During the visit, he explored the latest advancements in cultivated meat and 3D bio-printing and tasted 3D-printed cultivated fish and cultivated meat at the food tech company’s facility.

At the event, the Prime Minister said Israel is a global leader in alternative protein production, citing the country’s recently cultivated fish and cultivated meat production. He further stated that the government is committed to continuing its leadership in this area and that new permits and heights are expected soon.

Israel ranked second behind the US in alternative protein investments in 2022, with local startups in the field raising a total of $454 million, according to a Good Food Institute (GFI) Israel report. 

Earlier this year, the Israel Innovation Authority announced plans to build an R&D hub for fermentation technology as part of a broader effort to invest in food tech — declared one of the top five new national priorities for the next five years.

Arik Kaufman, CEO of Steakholder Foods, said: “As Israel continues to lead the way in food innovation, today’s visit by the Prime Minister of Israel is a testament to the importance of our technology and the incredible potential it holds for the future. We were honored to offer Mr. Netanyahu the opportunity to taste and witness the future of food.”

Remilk to Receive Israel’s First Market Approval For a Cell Ag Protein

3D-printed cultivated meat company Steakholder Foods (NASDAQ: STKH), formerly MeaTech 3D, has announced the world’s first 3D bio-printed cultivated fish product. The recently developed prototype was a ready-to-cook grouper fillet, printed with customized bio-inks utilizing grouper cells provided by Umami Meats.

Backed by a grant from the Singapore-Israel Industrial R&D Foundation (SIIRD), Umami Meats and Steakholder Foods work to develop a scalable process for producing structured cultivated fish products using Steakholder Foods’ proprietary 3D bio-printing technology and customized bio-inks. This 3D fish printing represents a successful and meaningful milestone in their partnership.

Arik Kaufman, CEO of Steakholder Foods, said: “We’re excited to be working with Umami Meats to develop 3D-printed structured fish products that have the same great taste and texture as traditionally caught fish, without harming the environment.”

The world’s first cultivated fish fillet

Steakholder Foods celebrated this achievement by hosting a tasting event at its Israel facilities. At a “grouper fish chef’s table,” Israeli and Singaporean-style signature fish dishes prepared by the company’s chef, Moran Lidor, were available for tasting. 

Besides Mihir Pershad, CEO of Umami Meats, and other personalities, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Steakholder Foods’ laboratory, where he witnessed the process of 3D-printing and sampled the cultivated fish, becoming the first PM to taste the product.

“We are delighted to have produced the world’s first whole fillet cultivated fish in partnership with Steakholder Foods. In this first tasting, we showcased a cultivated product that flakes, tastes and melts in your mouth exactly like excellent fish should. In the coming months, we intend to announce our plans for bringing this world-class cultivated fish to the market,” commented Mihir Pershad, CEO of Umami Meats.

Expanding collaborations

After receiving the grouper’s fish cells from Umami Meats, Steakholder Foods says its team worked to customize its bio-inks for a grouper prototype with optimized taste and texture. The Israeli food-tech claims its patent-pending technology enables it to replicate the flaky texture of cooked fish in a product after printing.

In a statement, the company said that being able to customize its bio-inks to external cell lines is a significant step towards commercializing its 3D bioprinter. It proves that its platform can produce structured hybrid and cultivated products of various species, opening the doors for collaborations with other industry players.

“Having created a customized bio-ink that works effectively with Umami’s cells and optimized the taste and texture to meet the high standards of consumers, we anticipate expanding our collaborations to a greater variety of species with additional partners,” added Kaufman.

Steakholder Foods 3D Bio-Prints the “World’s First” Whole Fillet Cultivated Fish

CropX’s irrigation planning allows users to conserve irrigation water and boost yields.

Israeli digital agronomic farm management company CropX today announced the completion of a $30 million Series C financing round led by Belgium advanced fluid management solutions company Aliaxis SA and with the participation of Edaphon, Finistere Ventures, NTT Finance Corporation, OurCrowd, Reinke Irrigation, Yair Shamir, and Victrix.

The investment will be used to develop CropX’s innovative capabilities for its agronomic farm management system and acquire companies with complementary technologies and market reach. Through this partnership, Aliaxis and CropX will continue to collaborate closely in the field of data-driven precision irrigation.

CropX’s irrigation planning allows users to conserve irrigation water and boost yields. In addition to irrigation, the CropX system also optimizes the use of energy and fertilizers, supports farmers in adopting more sustainable farming practices, and is becoming a one-stop shop for crop management. CropX now has over 100 employees in the US, the Netherlands, Israel and New Zealand and a large research and development department.

CropX CEO Tomer Tzach said, “Completing this funding is a huge endorsement from our investors of the value that we bring to our customers and shareholders, and the positive impact we are making on farms around the world. This round follows CropX’s January acquisition of California-based precision irrigation company Tule Technologies, our fourth acquisition. We are proud to be one of the consolidation leaders in ag-tech as we bring a complete, powerful and simple solution to farms and agribusinesses.”

Published by Globes, Israel business news – en.globes.co.il – on April 19, 2023.

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